Worst of weather moving offshore, but storms, rain continue overnight

Update 4:30 p.m.: The worst of the thunderstorms are moving offshore, but National Weather Service forecasters said more storms are possible overnight as a cool front continues to wash through South Florida.

Radar valid as of 4:30 p.m.

The slow-moving front won’t make it into the Florida Straits until Wednesday morning, with showers and thunderstorms possible in Palm Beach County through at least 2 p.m. Wednesday.

Cold front location as of 8 p.m. tonight.

The heaviest rainfall so far has been in South Palm Beach County, where water management district gauges estimate a maximum of 2.4 inches fell near the Hillsboro Canal.

Rainfall estimates valid as of 5 p.m. for previous 6 hours from the South Florida Water Management District.

While an earlier report of a tornado in Fort Lauderdale is now suspect because of a lack of damage, the NWS warning coordination meteorologist in Miami said a trained spotter reported a tornado at 4:30 p.m. just north of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

A wind gust of 63 mph was recorded by a WeatherBug station at Port Everglades, according to the NWS. There have also been reports of dime to penny size hail in Davie and Plantation.

Temperatures in West Palm Beach plummeted 19 degrees between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. as the storms rolled through. A wind gust of 38 mph was recorded at Palm Beach International Airport between 3 and 4 p.m.

Wednesday’s forecast includes a 20 percent chance of showers before clearing Thursday. Tuesday’s high temperature topped off at 88 degrees in West Palm Beach.

Concerns with these storms also include wind gusts of up to 55 mph that can down small tree limbs and branches.

A tornado warning is in effect for areas near downtown Fort Lauderdale until 4 p.m.

Update 3 p.m.: A significant weather advisory has been issued for inland and metro areas of Palm Beach County as a strong line of thunderstorms moves into the area with wind gusts up to 55 mph possible.

The advisory is in effect until 4 p.m.

The thunderstorm was 11 miles northwest of Lion Country Safari, moving east at 60 mph towards West Palm Beach.

Strong tstorms affecting the Atlantic Waters East of Palm Beach County. Wind gusts of 34 kts or greater possible with this storm. #flwx.

Previous story: The risk for thunderstorms and damaging winds was increased to a marginal threat today as ingredients come together for afternoon showers and a cold front pushes through the state overnight.

Near-record highs today that could reach 89 degrees in West Palm Beach, combined with moist air and sea breezes may erupt into afternoon thunderstorms, according to the National Weather Service in Miami.

Overnight, a cold front that is dropping hail in Jacksonville this morning, could mean more thunderstorm activity for South Florida into Wednesday morning.

Storm 2016

About the Author

Kim Miller is the weather reporter for The Palm Beach Post.

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